Most of Iceland’s people live in the southwest of the country to benefit from the lower latitude. Farther north, there are huge frozen wastes that conceal volcanic activity beneath. The inland plateau is a rich tapestry of glacial rivers, lava fields, sand fields, glaciers and mountains.

Iceland is one of the world’s last only partly discovered frontiers. Were it not for the presence of the warm Gulf Stream is might still be locked in the last Ice Age. Thanks to this happy coincidence, it has a richer biodiversity than some countries with gentler climates.

The Arrival of the First Icelanders

When the first Celtic monks arrived in Iceland in AD 874, the only mammals were Arctic Foxes that followed a land bridge from continental Europe towards the end of the last Ice Age. The monks had come to create a spiritual refuge. In 2016, archaeologists discovered a ‘long house’ where they lived together. Sometimes they had to deal with fierce Polar Bears that traveled on ice floes driven by persistent winds.

Their Fierce and Independent Decedents

The series of Viking, Scottish, and Lutheran people that followed fought for, and finally gained their independence in 1944. Their descendants now rule over a geologically active region that can cause huge volcanoes to spew forth fire. Many long inlet fjords punctuate the rugged coastline. Here are safe places, where we can interrupt our journey and go on land.

The Capital Reykjavík: A Study in Contrasts

Almost 40% of Icelanders (130,000 people) live in Iceland’s capital. We shall cast anchor there to share the vibrant, most northern capital on the planet. The citizens of Reykjavík work hard during the week. It is in their nature. Over weekends, over 100 nightclubs and bars burst into action with closing times at 4:30am in the morning. We will make sure you enjoy your visit until it is time to hoist our sails and continue on our voyage.